Learning to Let Go

Look around your house. Do you see a cluttered mess? If so, you need to know that clutter can "happen" to our lives for two general reasons. First, it could be that you don't have the organizational skills you need to adequate address all the items you need to handle on a day-to-day basis. If this is the case, an easy fix is to use the search tool at the top of any page on this website. Just search for terms like "de-clutter" or "organizing" and you'll find a wealth of helpful information.

The second possible reason for clutter is that you may have some sort of emotional need that you are seeking to fill with the clutter. Perhaps a death in the family, losing a job, or a divorce has introduced a void into your life and you are afraid to "let go" of things. Sooner or later you end up with a disorganized, cluttered mess that you need to face.

If the clutter has come about because of emotional reasons, then you need to figure out where the need is coming from; this will help to eliminate the clutter. Then you need to prepare yourself to get rid of those things cluttering up your home. Once you understand where the need is coming from to have all that clutter around, you have made a major step into eliminating the clutter chaos.

There are also times that clutter may keep you from having to deal with other, underlying issues in your life. If this is the case you need to take time to figure out the problem (the "root cause") so that you can move on.

De-cluttering may take longer than expected if you have to deal with tossing out things when you are not ready to let go. When you are dealing with the sentimental items and you really haven't come to terms with losing whatever is the root of the sentiment, it can be a very traumatic experience in letting things go.

Before actually getting rid of the clutter, make up a priority list of what activities are important in your life. Examine each activity and determine if it adds to the quality of your life, if it is something that dilutes your time, or if it is something in which you are no longer interested. Pare down the list to only those activities that really add quality to your life. This list will help you keep focused on what you need to keep and what you can really get rid of.

If you haven't come to terms with the emotional circumstances that led to your clutter and disorganization, then it is best to de-clutter in steps. First, start by putting everything into boxes and then setting aside the boxes. If the emotional circumstances involve a lost loved one (such as from death or divorce), allow yourself some time to grieve. It is best to place the boxes out of your everyday living space (if possible) as you complete the grieving. If getting them out of your living space is not possible then stack the boxes neatly in a corner. This helps you avoid having everything "in the way" and creating more chaos in the house.

When everything has been boxed, write on your calendar a date when you expect to go through the first box. Thinking of this date helps you set a goal and gives you time to prepare for going through the things that need to be eliminated.

You should undertake the second step only when you are feeling emotionally stronger. Start going through the boxes one at a time. If the job becomes emotionally taxing, then set it aside again. Go back to the calendar and write down another date for going through the boxes.

If the second try doesn't work then you might want to get the help of family members who can go through the process with you, or you might get a professional organizer who can help you deal with the process.

Author Bio

Debra Wyatt

Deb has a communications degree and applies her talents to her position as Marketing Specialist at Sharon Parq Associates. In her spare time she spends time with her children and grandchildren and devotes time to her church. Learn more about Debra...

MORE FROM DEBRA

A Fantastic Ceramic Potato Peeler

Does peeling potatoes or other vegetables leaving you feeling like you would like to be anywhere else but in the kitchen? ...

Find the Right Tool Right Away Finally, a homeowner's set that includes all the tools needed to complete basic DIY projects at an affordable price! The tools are stored in a molded case for security and portability. Check out Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit today!

More Organizing Tips

Organizing Small Rooms

Don't despair if you have to downsize to a smaller place. With just a lit bit of creativity, imagination, and organizing ...

Subscribe

Comments

If you would like to add an image to
your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment),
include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload
your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will
be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to
review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Source

(gif, jpeg or png only, 5MB maximum file size)

Source

(gif, jpeg or png only, 5MB maximum file size)

Source

(gif, jpeg or png only, 5MB maximum file size)

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is three more than 8?

2014-08-01 14:04:32

Annia

The aspect of de-cluttering that is the hardest for me is deciding where things go, putting them there, finding them there the next time I want them, and putting them back in the same place. The unfortunate alternative is to leave everything on the kitchen counter, knowing that it's there if you are willing to go through the piles.After everything is put away, it's easier to identify what's clutter.

So, put things away and maintain lists of where things go. That's the key for me!

2014-07-31 19:20:39

Patricia

I've been looking for this aspect of "letting go" from grief and how to do it when de-cluttering. Most organizers say just to take a photo of the memento but that doesn't seem to work for me. Thanks.

Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured organizational tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."